posted on May 4, 2001 04:35:58 PM
Hello, I always offer to ship my items internationally... most of myitems are $20 or less so this question doesn't really come up... here it is:
I sold an item worth $200. to a man in europe. He has paid for insurance since it is an expensive item. What do you all usually do on the customs form? Do you state that it's a gift? What should I put down as far as value is concerned? thanks!
posted on May 4, 2001 04:48:57 PM
>What do you all usually do on the customs form?
Tell the truth.
>Do you state that it's a gift?
Only if it was
>What should I put down as far as value is concerned?
I use the sale price. A thing is worth what it will bring.
A lot of buyers will tell you it's no big thing to lie to customs, but do you want the federal government down on you just to save the buyer money he/she legaly owes?
Here is a thread from a few days ago where Canadian sellers where talking about merchandise being impounded over lieing to customs.
posted on May 4, 2001 07:27:50 PM
I'm a cheapskate, I always send cheap gifts to my international friends. The signiature on the customs form just says it's not a dangerous article. Impounding is not a problem here in the States as we don't have that hideous VAT to contend with.
dendude
posted on May 4, 2001 08:12:30 PM
Tell the truth on all customs forms but the problem that you may have is regarding the insurance. I have had two lost and one damage item with insurance going to Europe.
After many months of haggling and argueing back and forth the Brits said not us, we received it "broke" or never received it from the USPS. USPS said we passed it on to the Royal Mail and everything was fine.
I have a relative in the Royal Mail and he said forget it. The USPS and the Royal Mail will argue this back and forth for the next millenium. So I paid to keep my feedback.
posted on May 4, 2001 08:16:27 PM
>Impounding is not a problem here in the States as we don't have that hideous VAT
No, but we do have Duty on items over $250 and/or items made in certain countries. Go look at the thread I referenced above, Canadian Sellers had merchandise impounded by *USA* customs. Lie to them if you want, and keep telling yourself they can't/won't do anything about it.
posted on May 5, 2001 04:56:38 AM
>I'm not lying, the article is not dangerous. It's also not nice to call someone a liar.
Did you say:
>I'm a cheapskate, I always send cheap gifts to my international friends. The signiature on the customs form just says it's not a dangerous article
I took this to mean you where marking things you sold as gifts. If you REALLY are giving your stuff to people then it really is a gift.
If you REALLY beleive that when you sign that customs form you are not promising the government that EVERYTHING on the form is true and correct under penalty of law, then you are VERY mistaken.
If you mark Gift on the customs form, when in fact it is merchandise (do you? I took your post to mean you did..) then you are a liar, even if saying so isn't "nice".
posted on May 5, 2001 05:43:19 AM
>I took this to mean you where marking things you sold as gifts. If you REALLY are giving your stuff to people then it really is a gift. >
It depends on your definition of gift. Some people just send me money in the mail and I figure what the heck I'll send them a gift.
>If you REALLY beleive that when you sign that customs form you are not promising the government that EVERYTHING on the form is true and correct under penalty of law, then you are VERY mistaken.<
Not a promise it's only certified. Promises are for people that can't "pinch-a-loaf."
<If you mark Gift on the customs form, when in fact it is merchandise (do you? I took your post to mean you did..) then you are a liar, even if saying so isn't "nice". >
When is a gift not merchandise? Where is the mechanism that devines the difference? How often is a gift given without reciprocation? You really should try to understand my position before you call me a "liar."
dendude (a gifted liar)
You are speaking of an item that's worth $200, right?
If I were you, I wouldn't lie this time to customs, mark it merchandise, tell of it's true value. You never know, it might just come up missing.....or damaged.
posted on May 5, 2001 06:00:44 AM
>When is a gift not merchandise?
When there is no money (or other considerations) exchanged. Do you really have to ask?
>Not a promise it's only certified.
Ok, that is the wording, and if you think you are not certifying that all the information on the form is correct, you are mistaken.
>Some people just send me money in the mail and I figure what the heck I'll send them a gift.
Yeah, right. And if you don't send them this "gift" they just might have you charged with fraud, eh?
>You really should try to understand my position before you call me a "liar."
I understand your position perfectly. I wouldn't even bother to answer you, except the original poster asked for advice, and I think you are giving VERY BAD advise. Do it any way you want. You (and only you) will suffer if/when the feds check up on one of your packages.
posted on May 5, 2001 07:19:19 AM
>Yeah, right. And if you don't send them this "gift" they just might have you charged with fraud, eh? <
Charged with fraud internationally for a $200 item? A man's got to know his limitations and some people are clueless.
>I understand your position perfectly. I wouldn't even bother to answer you, except the original poster asked for advice, and I think you are giving VERY BAD advise. Do it any way you want. You (and only you) will suffer if/when the feds check up on one of your packages. <
I'm of the opinion that you're giving VERY BAD advise. I won't bother with any fear mongering parenthetical response.
dendude (a gifted liar)
posted on May 5, 2001 07:55:57 AM
FYI - Most countries have "Gift" limitations.
Canada's is $60 Canadian [approx $40 US] and any amount over that is taxed, regardless if it's a gift, or not. Any item sent to Canada as a "Gift", also needs a gift card placed inside the parcel, in order for it to qualify as a gift.
I think you'll also find that "Gifts" are scrutinized by Customs far more than items sent as merchandise. Customs agents might be overworked & underpaid, but they aren't stupid.
If you undervalue the item you are sending to help your customer avoid taxes, you are also running the risk of being screwed if & when an insurance claim is processed.
posted on May 5, 2001 08:27:15 AM"I sold an item worth $200. to a man in europe. He has paid for insurance since it is an expensive item. What do you all usually do on the customs form? Do you state that it's a gift? What should I put down as far as value is concerned? thanks!"
The value is what they paid for it. Do not include shipping in the amount. Do not put a so-called "book value" if higher than what they paid. I usually also include an invoice showing which auction site, actual amount bid, and shipping/insurance.
I fill out the customs form factually. I do not like putting what the item is on the outside of the package so I use form CN22 (just the top portion/bar code) on the outside and then complete Form 2976-A. Since this goes inside the package, you can't seal your package until after the USPS puts all their required information on the form (date & weight). So I take tape to the PO with me.
